EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

RAeS Team Gold winner

The team behind Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan has been awarded a Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) Team Gold Medal for its contribution to the advancement of aerospace engineering.

With its 3.556 m fan diameter, UltraFan is the world’s largest demonstrator aero engine, containing a suite of scalable new technologies that deliver greater fuel efficiency. By enabling lower emissions and advancing sustainable practices, UltraFan contributes significantly to the aerospace industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The demonstrator was successfully tested using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

More information www.rolls-royce.com

Casting accolade for Magna Cosma

A Telford-based automotive specialist, which has seen domestic and global sales rise significantly, has been named as the ‘Best of British Casting Company’ at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards organised by the Cast Metals Federation (CMF). Magna Cosma Casting UK defied uncertainty in the sector to post one of the best years in its history, impressing judges with the way it has developed a high-pressure die casting digital twin.

The company’s approach has seen it boost the workforce by 40% – critical in supporting the production of large structural body and chassis castings. There were also major accolades for Kent’s Maybrey Precision Castings and the Black Country’s Newby Foundries (joint Component of the Year winners), with Goodwin Steel Castings claiming the Innovation title.

More information www.castmetalsfederation.com

Sellafield calls for applications

Applications are now open for the 2025 apprenticeship scheme at Sellafield Ltd. With both apprenticeships and degree schemes available covering a wide range of disciplines from mechanical engineering to nuclear operations, opportunities are offered in both Cumbria and Warrington.

Sellafield says the positions provide first-class training supported by on-the-job learning, ensuring apprentices are well-equipped for their future careers. All apprentices have the chance to pursue a qualification relevant to their chosen field by studying with selected high-level training providers across the country. The duration of each programme varies from 2 to 4 years. There is no upper age limit for applicants.

More information www.bit.ly/4faPkIr

Princess Royal visits Saunders Valves

Earlier this month, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Crane Company’s new facility at Saunders Valves – its specialist diaphragm valve manufacturer in Cwmbran. Operating in the town since 1939, Saunders is a pioneer in diaphragm valve technology.

Guided by Saunders’ operations director Dafydd Lewis, HRH The Princess Royal toured the new 9290 m² facility’s assembly lines. She also met long-standing members of the workforce, some with more than 40 years of experience who bring their expertise and dedication to this specialist work.

More information www.cranecpe.com 

Vestas to repurpose Isle of Wight plant

Since 2002, the facilities of Vestas on the Isle of Wight have played an integral role in the
manufacture of turbine blades for wind projects across the world. At present, the
company’s factory focuses on manufacturing blades for the V174 offshore turbine. Demand
for this product is coming to an end, and constraints at the site mean it is not suitable for
the next generation of offshore blades. However, following an agreement in principle with
the UK Government, Vestas intends to repurpose the factory to build onshore blades,
mainly in support of the UK market.
More information www.vestas.com